KCET 2026 Round 3: KEA Issues Final Choice-4 Exit Warning, 5X Penalty Today at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) today, September 5, 2026, issued an urgent and final notification regarding the Choice-4 exit deadline for the Undergraduate Common Entrance Test (UGCET) 2026 counselling process. Candidates wishing to formally exit the counselling must select the Choice-4 option by 5:00 PM today on the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

This critical deadline is accompanied by a severe 5X seat-blocking penalty for those who fail to report to their allotted college or attempt to hold a seat while pursuing admission elsewhere, a measure implemented to prevent seat wastage and ensure fair allocation for other deserving applicants.

KCET 2026 Round 3: Choice-4 Exit Deadline and Penalty Details

The KEA’s urgent notification underscores the finality of the Choice-4 option, which allows candidates to withdraw from the KCET 2026 Round 3 counselling process without incurring penalties, provided they select it by the stipulated deadline. Failure to adhere to this deadline or any attempt to block a seat will result in a significant fine equivalent to five times the standard government tuition fee for the course. Also, such candidates will forfeit their allotted seat and face potential disqualification from future state-level counselling cycles.

Candidates who were allotted seats in Round 2 and then opted for the Round 3 upgradation phase are explicitly ineligible to select Choice-4. This provision ensures that candidates who have already progressed through a previous round and sought an upgrade remain committed to the counselling process. The KEA will proceed to process all surrendered or vacant seats after the Choice-4 deadline, following which the final Round 3 seat allotment list will be published.

KCET 2026 Counselling: Key Dates and Deadlines

The KEA has maintained a stringent schedule for the KCET 2026 counselling process, with several crucial deadlines already passed. The web options entry for KCET Round 3 closed on September 3, 2026, at 6 PM. Today’s Choice-4 exit deadline marks a pivotal moment before the final seat allotment. Candidates who cancel an Engineering seat allotted in Round 3 or during a casual vacancy round will be liable to pay a penalty equal to five times the engineering fee, in addition to forfeiting the prescribed course fee.

Previous Kea Exit Facilities and Deadlines

The KEA had previously opened exit facilities for various counselling rounds and examinations. An exit facility for Karnataka NEET UG 2026 candidates who had accepted a medical or dental seat through MCC or another state’s counselling was activated on August 25, 2026, with the last date to use it being August 26, 2026. Also, an online portal for KCET 2026 Round 2 seat cancellation was made available, which closed on August 29, 2026, at 3 PM. The KCET Round 2 final seat allotment result was published on August 24, 2026, and the admission fee payment deadline for KCET Round 2 was August 28, 2026.

KCET 2026: What Happens Next?

Following the closure of the Choice-4 exit window today, the KEA will consolidate all surrendered and vacant seats. This data will then be used to finalise and publish the Round 3 seat allotment list. Candidates who had cancelled a Choice-1 allotment for Round 3 will forfeit a Rs 5,000 deposit, as per KEA regulations. The Authority’s stringent measures aim to make easier the admission process, minimise seat wastage, and ensure that all available seats are allocated efficiently and fairly to eligible candidates across Karnataka.

How to Access the Kea Official Website

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official KEA website for the latest updates and notifications regarding the KCET 2026 counselling process. All official announcements, including the final Round 3 seat allotment list, will be published on the portal.

1. Go to the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the ‘UGCET 2026’ section.
3. Look for the latest notification regarding ‘Choice-4 Exit’ or ‘Round 3 Counselling’.
4. Follow the instructions to select the Choice-4 option if you wish to exit the counselling process by the 5:00 PM deadline today.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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